Book Review - Finale by Stephanie Garber

 

Finale by Stephanie Garber is the conclusion of the Caraval trilogy, where sisters Scarlett and Donatella (Tella) Dragna confront the unleashed immortal Fates. It has been two months since the Fates were freed from their prison in the deck of cards. It had been two months since Legend claimed the throne as his own, and it’s been two months since Tella discovered that the boy she fell in love with doesn’t exist. With the Fates on the loose, the empire is in chaos, and everything is hanging in the balance. Tella must choose between trusting Legend or a former enemy.

I am torn between loving and liking the novel. It was an unexpected way to end the trilogy, but I couldn’t help feeling annoyed with the two sisters. The story primarily follows Tella and her quest to eliminate the Fates, but it includes that frustrating “he loves me, he loves me not” trope that appears far too often. I wish the novel had focused more on their other plan to stop the Fates.

My favorite part of the novels was the Fates and the chaos they created. I appreciated how creepy and spooky some of them were. I would be open to reading a series that delves into the backstory or even revolves around the different Fates.

Book Review - The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

 

In The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave, estranged siblings Nora and Sam Noone reunite after their father’s mysterious death at his cliffside home, Windbreak. Liam Noone was many things to many people. To the public, he was a self-made hotel magnate, known for his chain of successful luxury hotels. To his three ex-wives, he was a loving yet distant husband who kept his families and finances carefully separated. But to his daughter, Nora, he remained an elusive mystery—especially following his suspicious death.

While the authorities rule Liam’s death an accident, Nora and Sam aren't convinced. Setting aside their differences, they decide to investigate and uncover the truth behind what really happened to their father.

The novel was an interesting read, with a few unexpected twists. Though marketed as a thriller, it reads more like a family drama story about two siblings reconnecting and learning from their father’s mistakes—especially his tendency to keep people at arm’s length—and re-evaluating their own lives. It’s a slow burn, and not much action takes place through large portions of the book.

The story unfolds through alternating points of view and timelines: the past is told from Liam’s perspective, while the present is narrated by Nora. I appreciated this structure, as it offers a fuller picture of both characters. I’d be open to reading more books by Laura Dave.

Book Review - Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig

 

Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig is about twelve-year-old Finn dealing with his untimely death. Finn learns that even in death he can’t escape going to school. He discovers that he died when a coconut fell on his head. When he passed, he had to make a decision at a crossroads. He could attend Phantom Academy if he follows an unmarked path or the marked path to an unlikeable relative. The academy is a boarding school for underage ghosts who are trying to find their footing in the afterlife, and Finn is the newest student to arrive.

Finn doesn’t understand why he has to attend classes and do homework. He thought making friends would be easy, but he struggles to fit in. As he tries to adjust to his new school and classmates, he realizes that something strange is going on. Will Finn uncover what’s happening before it’s too late?

I read the author’s previous book, A Bite Above the Rest, and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this one. While reading, the premise also reminded me of the show School Spirits. Although the storylines are mostly different, both share the same idea of the undead being stuck in school.

I liked that the book had a lot of fun and humorous moments, and I think it would keep young readers entertained and wanting more. I also liked that the book tackled some heavier themes in a lighthearted way. The mystery element was engaging, and it was fun to try to piece together the clues. The ending leaves an opening for a second book, since a few questions remain unanswered. I’m looking forward to reading more of Finn’s adventures.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author.

Book Review - MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

 

MindWorks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman is a collection of fictional short stories by the author. The book features both new and previously published stories. It collects tales that scare and entertain fans. 

The book is organized into themes, with stories that focus on each theme. I was a bit nervous to start the book. It’s around 600 pages, and I hadn’t read any of the author’s previous works. I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I loved most of the stories and found them entertaining. The stories are well written, thought-provoking, and engaging. I really enjoyed these creative tales and am looking forward to reading more from the author, including his popular series, “Arc of a Scythe."

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

Book Review - Memorials by Richard Chizmar

 

Memorials by Richard Chizmar follows three college students who embark on a road trip in 1983 to document roadside memorials for a class project, only to uncover a chilling pattern of supernatural symbols. The trio, from a small college, initially sets out to complete their final project for an American Studies course. What begins as a fun weeklong journey across long stretches of empty roads—with nightly campfires and growing camaraderie—soon takes a darker turn.

As they venture deeper into the Appalachian backwoods, the atmosphere shifts. The air feels heavier, and the mood less lighthearted. They begin to notice more memorials bearing strange, unsettling symbols that suggest something sinister. It soon becomes clear they may be being watched—or followed—especially when their vehicle and belongings are tampered with. The group starts to question whether the roadside deaths were truly accidents, or if someone—or something—is behind them.

This was my second time reading a book by Richard Chizmar, and I enjoyed this one just as much as the other. He does a great job of creating a spooky, unsettling atmosphere. The book was longer than I expected, and in my opinion, could have been trimmed down. The suspense builds gradually throughout, although the ending wasn't my favorite. Still, there were some twists and turns that genuinely surprised me. Horror fans who enjoy supernatural elements might find this an engaging read. I’d definitely consider reading more of Chizmar’s work.

Book Review - Kill Joy by Holly Jackson

 

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson is a short novel in which a high school student, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, attends a 1920s murder mystery party with her friends and discovers her passion for solving mysteries. Initially, Pippa does not want to attend her friend’s murder mystery party. Instead of dressing up and pretending to solve a murder, she would prefer to stay at home. However, when the game begins, Pip finds herself drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue, and deception. As Pippa plays make-believe detective, another case comes to mind.

The book is a prequel to the “Good Girls Guide to Murder” series. I read it after finishing the series. I thought this book was a waste of time. I felt that the author could have simply written a paragraph or two about why Pippa was motivated to take on the Andie Bell murder in the series; it didn’t need to be a separate book.

The novella didn’t add anything to the series that we don’t already know. I also didn’t like the characters and their behavior in the book. They were quite annoying, particularly Pippa, who became upset when she didn’t get something right. Fortunately, I read this novella after the series, and since I enjoy the series a lot, I would still be open to reading more works by the author, just not those intended as money grabs.

Book Review - Ruin Road by Lamar Giles

Ruin Road by Lamar Giles tells the story of Cade Webster, a high school student who makes a wish to stop being feared, only for it to set off a terrifying series of events. Cade exists between two worlds. He is a respected and well-liked football star at a prestigious school, but he comes from an impoverished neighborhood. Everywhere he goes, people are afraid of him because he is either too big, too ambitious, or too black.

One fateful night, Cade slips into a pawn shop to avoid an encounter with the police. Inside, a ring catches his eye, and he decides to buy it. He tells the shopkeeper that he wishes people would stop being scared around him. Little does he know, his wish is granted.

Cade enjoys the feeling of no longer being feared. However, he soon realizes that people are no longer afraid of anything. Wherever Cade goes, he spreads this newfound “courage,” which leads to chaos as people react violently. Cade fears that something dark is at play and wants to stop it before it harms more innocent individuals.

I have read another book of the author’s, The Getaway by Lamar Giles, and this novel follows a similar premise. It presents a scary story with social commentary woven into it. I found the book to be an interesting read. It was compelling to see how a “simple wish” becomes corrupted, the destruction it causes, and how Cade grapples with it. The first half of the book was slow, but it picked up in the second half. I would be open to reading more works by the author.

Book Review - Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a coming-of-age novel that follows seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter as he navigates the challenges of young fatherhood, gang life, and building a better future for himself and his son. There’s one thing Maverick knows for certain: a real man takes care of his family. The son of a former gang legend, Maverick follows in his father’s footsteps and earns money the only way he knows how—by dealing with the King Lords. The extra money helps his mom cover bills that are piling up, even though she’s working two jobs while Maverick’s father is in prison.

Maverick knows life isn’t easy, but he feels like he has everything under control. He has a beautiful girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back—until he finds out he’s a father.

His son, Seven, depends on him for everything. Things aren’t as easy as they used to be. When Maverick is offered a chance to go straight, he decides to take it, wanting to prove he can make something of himself. However, one of the main components of being in a gang is loyalty. The responsibility of taking care of his son while being involved in the gang begins to tear Maverick apart. Will he be able to choose between the two?

This book is a prequel to The Hate U Give, which I own but have not yet read. Concrete Rose is an emotional read that showcases the struggles many face to put food on the table and how many turn to a life of crime to provide for their families. I enjoyed reading about Maverick trying to piece his life together for his son, even though, at times, he struggles with it. However, there were moments when I questioned his decisions. Not to give anything away, but Maverick, who’s trying to take care of a young child on his own, continues to make choices that jeopardize his financial stability and well-being. Despite this, I’d be open to reading more books by the author, including finally reading my copy of The Hate U Give.

Book Review - The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

 

 

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes follows Yamilet (Yami) Flores, a Mexican American high school student, as she navigates her identity as a queer girl in a Catholic school while dealing with family expectations. Sixteen-year-old Yami would prefer to be known as the girl with the cool eyeliner, rather than being one of the few Mexican students at her predominantly rich and white Catholic school. However, she’d rather have that reputation than for her classmates to discover the other secret she’s hiding.

Yami is gay, but she doesn’t want anyone to know. After being outed by her ex-best friend and crush, she had to transfer schools. Her main priorities now are to keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, avoid falling in love, and save up enough money for an apartment. Despite her best efforts, trouble seems to follow her.

Things get even more complicated when she becomes friends with Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, and Yami feels herself drawn to her. Bo is smart, talented, cute, and outspoken, but Yami is scared. After what happened at her last school, she’s terrified of anyone finding out she’s gay, especially her mother, and fears how her mom might react.

The book is a straightforward read with no unexpected twists or turns. However, it is a heartwarming story about a young woman struggling to find her path and place in the world. I enjoyed reading it, though at times, I found myself frustrated with the characters. I felt Yami’s mother placed too much pressure on her to look out for her brother, and Yami could be so absorbed in her own problems that she didn’t always consider how her actions affected others. Despite these frustrations, I’d definitely be open to reading more books by this author.

Book Review - Legendary by Stephanie Garber

 

Legendary by Stephanie Garber is the second novel in the Legendary series, where Scarlett and Tella are once again thrust into the magical and enchanting world of Caraval. Dontella (Tella) and her sister, Scarlett, have managed to escape their abusive father, along with saving Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. While Tella and Scarlett should be celebrating their newfound freedom, Tella is worried about how she will repay a favor. Tella made a deal with a mysterious and dangerous criminal. In return for helping Tella, she must deliver something no one has ever been able to provide before: Caraval Master Legend’s true name. 

Tella decides the only way to find out Legend’s true identity is to win Caraval and request his name as her prize. She chooses to participate in the legendary and dangerous competition, which revolves around a murderous heir who will stop at nothing to claim the throne. The game has always required sacrifice and bravery, but perhaps this time, it is asking for more than Tella can give. If Tella cannot fulfill her side of the deal, it might cost her everything she loves, even her life.

The novel is the second book in the Caraval series and should be read in order to fully appreciate the story. The focus in this second book is primarily on Tella’s quest to obtain Legend’s name. I found it odd that Scarlett played more of a secondary role and seemed to barely care about Tella. Additionally, some of Scarlett’s actions felt out of character for her. However, I enjoyed seeing how the different characters developed in this novel compared to the first book in the series. This installment features considerably more romance, although some aspects were a bit annoying. I didn’t think there needed to be two love triangles. I can’t wait to see how the series concludes with the final book.  

Book Review - The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

 

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves is a thrilling mystery about a detective, Vera Stanhope, who investigates a murder that seems to have darker ties. Early in the morning, a local dog walker discovers a man’s body near the park outside a group home for troubled teens. The home, Rosebank, is located in the coastal village of Longwater, and the victim is a staff member who never showed up for work.

 DI Vera Stanhope is called in to investigate the death. The only clue she has is the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera doesn’t believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but she lacks sufficient evidence to dismiss the possibility. As Vera and her team delve into the case, another body is found by the “Three Dark Wives" monument, which is surrounded by superstition and folklore. Vera knows she needs to find Chloe to uncover the truth, but someone is desperate to prevent her from doing so.

The book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. There are some recurring characters with nuances I might have missed, but I was still able to follow along. The book was entertaining, though it took me a few chapters to feel invested. It felt repetitive, and I felt like not much was happening until the end when everything snowballed. I didn’t appreciate that Vera kept her suspicion about the murderer a secret from her team, but I still liked her character overall. I would be open to reading more books by the author. 

Book Review - The Last Orphan by Gregg Hurwitz

 

The Last Orphan by Gregg Hurwitz follows a former black-ops operative, Evan Smoak, as he confronts his past and decides how to move forward. As a small child, Evan was taken from a group home and trained as an assassin in a secret off-the-books government program. He eventually left the program and went underground, harboring many secrets that the government would do anything to keep hidden.

Now known as The Nowhere Man, he dedicates his life to helping people in their time of need. As Evan’s reputation grows, he finds himself back on the government’s radar. With most of the Orphans eliminated, the government will stop at nothing to take out Evan if he poses a threat. However, Evan has managed to stay several steps ahead of the dangers.

The President offers Evan a deal—he must eliminate a wealthy and powerful man whom she claims is too dangerous to live. In return, she will allow Evan to live and continue as The Nowhere Man. This puts Evan in a dilemma, as he vowed to use his skills only against those who deserve it when he left the Program. He must decide whether to choose life or stick to his principles. 

The novel is the eighth book in the series. While it doesn’t need to be read in order, I missed some character nuances. The book was a fast-paced thriller, but it lacked many unexpected twists or turns. I found the characters enjoyable, and I actively rooted for them. This was my first book in the series, but Evan felt almost invisible, bordering on superhuman. It seemed like he always made the right choices and never got hurt, or no one was better than him. I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber follows two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who enter a magical, high-stakes game of deception and intrigue in hopes of winning freedom from their abusive father. Scarlett and Tella Dragna have never left the small island where they were born, where they live under the control of their powerful and cruel father. He has arranged a marriage for Scarlett, and she fears she will never get the chance to fulfill her dream of seeing Caraval—a highly exclusive, once-a-year performance where the audience participates, and the winners are granted one wish.

Just before Scarlett is set to marry, she receives a welcome surprise: an invitation arrives for her and Tella to attend the show. The two sisters set off, only for Tella to be kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind, Legend. The game will revolve around Tella, and whoever finds her first will be crowned the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything in Caraval is fake—an elaborate performance. However, as she delves deeper into the game, she begins to suspect that something isn’t right. She realizes that if she wants to see her sister again, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game end and her sister disappears forever.

This novel is the first book in a trilogy, and it should be read in order to fully enjoy the immersive experience. I found the book to be spellbinding. The author does a fantastic job of transporting readers into the magical illusion of Caraval. The story is filled with twists, turns, and lies, which can be difficult to keep track of, especially with the many characters involved. The ending took me by surprise and felt like a perfect setup for the next book in the series.

Book Review - My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

 

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen is a haunting story about love, loss, and the emotional trauma that shapes us. Roos Beckman has a spirit companion that only she can see. Ruth is a strange, corpse-like spirit who has been dead for centuries. Ruth is the only positive thing in Roos’s life until a young, wealthy widow, Agnes Knoop, visits one of Roos’s backroom seances. The two form a connection. 

Roos moves into the decaying estate that Agnes inherited after her husband’s death. The house seems haunted by a woman who roams the hallway endlessly, there is a strange smell in the air, and the family chapel is filled with eerie stone statues. Roos senses something dreadful is haunting the manor, yet she feels drawn to Agnes and is reluctant to leave. 

When a murder occurs, Roos becomes the obvious suspect due to her history of hysteria and her impoverished status. She must prove her innocence, or she risks losing everything she loves. 

I found the book to be an interesting read. I appreciated how it explored how and why spirits attach to certain people. However, there were some gross moments that felt a bit off-putting at times. The author’s writing style tended to be long-winded and this made certain parts of the book drag. 

When the book first opened, the author mentioned it was a love story. Initially, it was hard to see it as that, but as I continued reading and reached the conclusion, it felt like an accurate description of the story. Even though the genre is horror, the novel depicts many forms of love, including the most base and vile, showcasing what people will do for love. I would be open to reading more by this author.

 

Book Review - The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson

  

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson follows a young girl named Lucy, who is sent to live with strangers. Selena Lucy Landry was named after a ship. Ironically she has been afraid of the water ever since she lost her father at sea. Her current caretaker, who watches over Lucy while her father is at sea, becomes indisposed, and Lucy is sent to live with a family in a lighthouse amidst the stormy Lake Superior. 

The Martins are a close-knit and hardworking family from the Anishinaabe tribe. They are quite different from Lucy, a dreamer who struggles to fit in with others. Will Lucy be able to connect with her foster family? 

The book offers a quick and heartwarming read. At times, I found it challenging to like Lucy, as she seemed bossy or annoying, but then I tried to understand her perspective. She grew up with caregivers since her father was at sea and her mother had passed, leaving her with little experience of interacting with children her age. Young readers might appreciate the mystery of the treasure hunt that the Martin children and Lucy embark on.

 

Book Review - Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Relliha

 

Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Relliha centers on a young girl named Lou, who wants to prove that she is a good friend. Eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could go back in time, as she misses being with her old friend, Francie. Lou and Francie used to be best friends until they had a fight, during which Lou said terrible things to Francie that she now regrets. Lou longs for the way things used to be before they started sixth grade. 

Everything changes when the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a note during class. It says that she has been kidnapped, and Cece asks Lou for help. Lou decides that by helping Cece, she can prove to Francie that she is not a terrible friend.

The book was an okay read. It was straightforward with no twists and turns, offering a heartwarming story about friendship, forgiveness, and trusting oneself. It was nice to see Lou, Cece, and Francie lean on each other and grow. I would recommend the book for young readers who might enjoy the characters and their stories.

Book Review - No Easy Prey by Iris Johansen

 

No Easy Prey by Iris Johansen tells the story of Margaret Douglas, a woman on the run from a man who wants to control her. After escaping a painful past, Margaret is determined to focus on her future. Raised in an abusive, off-the-grid home, she spent much of her time seeking solace and refuge in a nearby forest.

While in the woods, Margaret discovered she has a unique ability: she can understand and communicate with animals. She dreams of living a peaceful life, surrounded by nature and wildlife. However, her gift has caught the attention of a dangerous individual who wants to exploit her abilities for his own nefarious purposes. Determined not to be used as a pawn, Margaret decides to flee.

CIA operative John Lassiter is on the hunt for Margaret. Someone has kidnapped one of his men, and in exchange for his release, they demand Margaret. Desperate to save his friend, John plans to use Margaret as bait—but Margaret has other plans. She will need to outwit John, who is determined to get what he wants.

Unfortunately, this novel was not what I expected. I initially thought it would be a gripping thriller, but it felt more like a steamy romance with elements of an adult novel. The sudden attraction between John and Margaret felt forced, and the intensity of their connection was off-putting. The author inserts graphic sex scenes that seem out of place and add little to the story. The characters felt flat and unrealistic, and I didn’t find myself rooting for them. The plot seemed contrived, with random elements of what could make a good story, but they were poorly executed and didn’t flow cohesively.

* The book title was changed from No Easy Prey to No Easy Target. 

Book Review - Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

 

 Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith reimagines the biblical tale of Eve from her perspective, exploring her life in the Garden of Eden, the temptation, and the profound consequences of her choices on humanity's fate. When Eve first opens her eyes, she is captivated by the sight of her Creator, whose beauty nearly blinds her and whose breath fills her lungs. The Creator takes her hand and introduces her to a creature similar to her, yet different. 

She and Adam experience the joy and delights of Eden while spending their days exploring. Their favorite part of the day is when the Creator comes to walk with them and spend time with them daily. Everything goes well until one act of disobedience leads to their exile from Eden. Together, they realize that the world is far crueler than they had imagined. Filled with remorse, Eden must come to terms with the consequences of their actions.

The novel was an okay read. I thought it presented an interesting, fictionalized version of the Bible story. At times, I felt the novel dragged, and there wasn’t much happening. I felt it was longer than necessary. The book is told from multiple perspectives, but Eve’s perspective is the most dominant. It was fascinating to read the thoughts of the other characters. While I would read more books by the author, I wouldn’t necessarily seek out more of her works.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not influenced by the publisher or author. 

September 2025 Empties!

 

  

I am so happy I finished a few things... then I realized I haven't done an empties post in months. Oops.

I finished a few body creams. My favorite by far was the Lab Squeeze Pumpkin and Carrot. I was surprised by how much I loved it. The scent was amazing; it smelled like a luxurious perfume and was very hydrating. This was the opposite of the Hemp Heaven body lotion. It was so watery and scentless, and it was so lightweight that it felt like nothing was applied. 

The Leaders Green Collagen Moisturizing Firming Serum, Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea + Panthenol, and Juicy Gooseberry Dark Spot Brightening Serums were the standouts among the serums I tried. They didn't have much of a scent, but they left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. None of them left a sticky residue or pilled when I applied moisturizer on top.

Provence Bleu Cream is a dream in a container. It had no scent but was thick and creamy. It’s the perfect nighttime moisturizer. It lasts for hours and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth when I wake up. It was very hydrating, and I would definitely buy it again. 

Was there anything you tried this season that you loved? 

Book Review - Kantika by Elizabeth Graver

 

Kantika by Elizabeth Graver is a multi-generational story about a Jewish family’s journey for survival in 20th Century Istanbul. The Cohens were wealthy and well-known in their community, but when they lost their fortune, they had to abandon their home in Istanbul. They moved to Barcelona, where they started fresh but were still hesitant to be welcomed by the community. While the story explores the background and tales of the Cohen family, the novel predominantly centers on one of the daughters, Rebecca Cohen.

Rebecca is saddened to leave her home in Istanbul, yet she hopes to find her path in Barcelona. She experiences passion and pleasure but must confront a failed marriage and the challenge of providing for her children after her husband abandons them. Rebecca’s older sister encourages her to relocate from Spain to Cuba and then to New York (due to immigration reasons) for an arranged second marriage. Though hesitant at first, Rebecca ultimately decides that this marriage could benefit her and her children, agreeing to marry her new husband, only to discover he has a disabled stepdaughter, Luna.

The book was an okay read. It could be overwhelming at times to keep track of the various characters and their outcomes. At times, I felt there wasn’t much of a storyline. I also thought the ending seemed rushed and pointless. The author shifts between different characters, and the writing style wasn’t always easy to follow, which made it harder to engage with the book. I believe the author should have focused more on the main character, Rebecca, with the majority of the story revolving around her. I would be open to reading more books by the author, but not if they share the same writing style. The book contained themes of memory, belonging, religion, identity, and the impacts of historical trauma.